Now that the election is over and the Republicans will again control the House and have gained a lot of seats in the Senate, all retailers are hoping that consumer confidence will come back. And hopefully it will rebound—fast. I am confident that it will rebound—it always has. But how soon and how fast I am not sure. According to the Conference Board, an index of consumer confidence rose in November to 54.1, up from 49.9 in October. That is the good news. However, 90 is where it should be so it shows that we still have a ways to go.

As one successful and well-known dealer said to me, “Consumer confidence seems to be the big issue for dealers everywhere. Like when the hell will we get some significant business again? And dealers everywhere are asking, ‘how do I order for the immediate and long term future based on current consumer confidence?’” Continue reading When will consumer confidence and boat sales rebound? →

Recently, I was invited to sit in on a Four Winns regional dealer meeting at the O’Hare Hilton where I had the opportunity to visit with several dealers I have known over the years. I consider the dealers who were at this meeting, and those all around the country who are still in business, a good example of “Survival of the fittest.” But there is no question that many of those in the industry who have survived this horrendous recession so far still consider it a daily battle to remain in that group.

It was encouraging that the “Industry survivors” that I chatted with at the Four Winns meeting seemed rather upbeat. But I also sensed they were all constantly watching every aspect of their businesses on a daily basis and keeping close track of every nickel and dime. I also have to say that at the end of the one-day meeting, the Four Winns dealers seemed very encouraged at what they saw and heard. Continue reading Survival of the fittest →